How to Throw an Ornament-Crafting Party
Because your friends have been to enough gift swaps this month.
The holiday season is upon us, which means entertaining season is most definitely upon us. If a dinner party isn’t your thing, but you’d love to have a more casual shindig, consider hosting an ornament-crafting party. Keep things simple by mixing up a big bowl of punch and setting out a few appetizers. Select a DIY ornament all your friends will love, and buy enough supplies for each guest to make one. Spread out supplies on a large table, and make sure the appetizers are nearby. Turn on some holiday tunes in the background, and you’re all set.
I’ve rounded up a few of our cutest DIY ornaments and most delicious punch and appetizer recipes to make party planning a breeze. Scroll through, pick your favorites and send out some invites … or a group text.
SUPER-CUTE DIY ORNAMENTS
Mini Pinecone Elf Ornament
Mini Pine Cone Elf Ornament
Everyone loves an adorable ornament and this little elf will bring instant cheer to any style tree!
Photo by: Photographer: Christina Wedge
Photographer: Christina Wedge
This adorable elf requires six steps — perfect for crafty, hands-on friends.
Make It: Mini Pinecone Elf Ornaments
Paint-Dipped Wooden Ornaments
Painted Wooden Spheres
Step 4- Remove Tape While the paint is still damp, carefully remove the tape from the sphere. Prop it in a glass upside down and allow to dry (appx 10 minutes).
Photo by: Tomas Espinoza
Tomas Espinoza
Ultra-chic yet easy to make, these paint-dipped ornaments would be great for pals who lack the patience for detailed crafts.
Make It: Paint-Dipped Wooden Ornaments
Wooden Bead Star Ornament
Wooden Bead Window Stars
Less is definitely more when it comes this ornament. Made from simple ribbon and wooden beads, this lovely star is beautiful hanging in a window, on a door or nestled in a tree.
Photo by: Photographer: Christina Wedge
Photographer: Christina Wedge
Made with wooden beads, this beautiful ornament boasts a cool, bohemian vibe, and the DIY is just a few, simple steps.
Make It: Wooden Bead Star Ornament
Embroidery Hoop Sweater Ornaments
This craft is super-easy, super-cute -- and it may even inspire you to clean out your closet.
Make It: Embroidery Hoop Sweater Ornaments
Mini Ugly Sweater Ornament
Friends will go crazy over this ridiculously adorable idea. Because who doesn’t love an ugly Christmas sweater?
Make It: Mini Ugly Sweater Ornaments
Painted Glass Ornaments
If you want to keep the crafting as easy as possible, simply set out glass balls and acrylic paint. Let your friends’ creativity shine.
DELECTABLE HOLIDAY APPETIZER RECIPES
Cranberry Brie Bites
Everything Cranberries
Everyone’s crazy for cranberries during the holidays and why not? Their delicious sweetness complements just about everything from classic cocktails to crowd pleasing appetizers. You can’t go wrong with cranberries!
Photo by: Tomas Espinoza
Tomas Espinoza
The perfect combination of sweet and savory, these cranberry brie bites only require four true ingredients.
Make It: Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Mini Quiche Florentine
Mini Quiche Florentine
These easy mini quiches are perfect for holiday entertaining. The classic combination of spinach and Swiss cheese paired with the robust flavors of fresh thyme and Parmesan make them an instant hit with even the pickiest of palettes.
Spinach and cheese will make these mini quiches a hit with even your pickiest friends.
Make It: Mini Quiche Florentine Recipe
Taleggio Crostini With Apple + Thyme Honey
Courtesy Andrea Albin, 2012 CookingChannelTV.com
Apples give these light bites a seasonal crunch.
Brie + Sun-Dried Tomato-Stuffed Mushrooms
Garnish your Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms
Top with a slice of sun-dried tomato and a mini rosemary sprig. Then, watch as they all disappear from the plate!
Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions
Flynnside Out Productions
You can’t go wrong with a stuffed mushroom — especially when it’s packed with gooey cheese.
Chocolate-Dipped Kettle Chips
Guests will gush about this dynamite sweet-and-salty pairing.
Make It: Chocolate-Dipped Kettle Chips Recipe
Maple Chili Popcorn
Courtesy Kelsey Nixon, 2012 CookingChannelTV.com
Make a couple of batches of this seasonal popcorn to display in an oversized bowl. Friends can munch while they craft.
Make It: Maple Chili Popcorn Recipe
BOOZY HOLIDAY PUNCH RECIPES
Mulled Pear Punch
Brandy, prosecco, pears and blood oranges form a mulled winter punch that’s sure to impress.
Make It: Mulled Pear Punch Recipe
Sparkling Grapefruit Punch
Image by Maggie Yelton
Grapefruit artfully pairs with rum and rosemary in this tasty holiday punch.
Make It: Sparkling Grapefruit Punch Recipe
Apple Cider Punch
Apple Cider Punch 00:30
Apple cider with a boozy kick? Yes, please.
Pitchfork Punch
Image courtesy of Pig and the Pearl
Blackberries, bourbon, black tea and mint create this deep, fruity punch that pairs well with appetizers.
Make It: Pitchfork Punch Recipe
Rose Lemon Champagne Punch
Add some bubbly to your night with this refreshing champagne punch.
Make It: Rose Lemon Champagne Punch
White Christmas Sangria
White Christmas Sangria 01:00
Opt for a seasonal spin on sangria with this white Christmas drink.
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